In-office professional teeth whitening

What causes tooth discoloration?

There are two types of tooth discoloration: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic discoloration emerges from within the teeth due to factors like aging, genetic predisposition, illnesses, and medical treatments. Extrinsic discoloration, more common and reversible, stems from sources such as tobacco use, inadequate oral hygiene, and the consumption of stain-inducing substances like coffee, tea, and red wine. These stains can accumulate over time, necessitating professional whitening. Examples of extrinsic discoloration include:

• Tobacco use
• Poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup
• Coffee, tea, soda, and red wine
• Foods with dyes
• Tomato-based sauces
• Dark-pigmented foods, such as beets and dark berries

Some of these stains can be prevented with regular brushing and flossing, but even minor stains can build up over time and require professional whitening to remove.

What is professional teeth whitening?

You have probably seen several teeth whitening products on the market, from specialty toothpastes to at-home whitening strips and gels, but those products are not as effective as the professional teeth whitening products available at dental offices. Your dentist will likely use a concentration of bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, and often heat or light to accelerate the process. The whitener is left to sit for an hour or so on the surface of the teeth so it can absorb into the enamel layer. Once absorbed, the whitening compound initiates a chemical reaction that dissolves the molecules responsible for tooth stains. After the whitener is rinsed away, stains will continue to dissolve for about 24 hours.

Duration of Whitening Effects

The longevity of professional teeth whitening varies. Some may require touch-up sessions in six months, whereas others enjoy the results for up to three years. Factors include treatment method and bleach concentration, but the chief influencers are diet and oral hygiene. Steering clear of tobacco and stain-inducing foods, as well as upholding regular oral care and dental checkups, prolongs the results. Additional suggestions comprise using a straw for stain-causing beverages, post-meal brushing or rinsing, adopting whitening toothpaste, and consuming foods beneficial for dental health.

How long do the results of professional teeth whitening last?

There is no one-size-fits-all timeframe for how long professional teeth whitening will last—some people need a touch-up treatment after six months, while others enjoy bright, white smiles for up to three years. The different methods of professional teeth whitening and variations in bleaching compound concentrations can affect the results, but, overall, the two main factors that determine how long the results will last are diet and oral hygiene. Avoiding smoking and stain-causing food and beverages will extend the lifespan of your whitening results, as will maintaining your daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing and twice-yearly dental checkups. Other tips to extend the whitening effects of your professional treatment:

• Drink staining beverages out of a straw, which limits contact on the teeth
• Try to brush your teeth or at least rinse with water after each meal
• Use whitening toothpaste to eliminate new minor stains
• Consume foods that improve the health and brightness of teeth, including celery, carrots, dairy, nuts, and seeds

An easy way to determine which foods and beverages could potentially stain your teeth is the “T-shirt test”: if something can stain a white T-shirt, it can stain your teeth.

Professional teeth whitening in San Diego

Nothing provides the instant boost of confidence like a bright white smile. With professional teeth whitening at University Dental in San Diego, you can have a dazzling new smile in just one appointment. For more information about professional teeth whitening or other smile restoration options, fill out our contact form or call us at (619) 582-4224 today.